Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Some people think that jewelry or accessories have to be gaudy and flashy to catch attention. This is not true. Sure, a sequins disco ball necklace gets people talking, but it’s not always what you want them to say.

The art of being able to accessories doesn’t come easy for everyone; if you can pull together an outfit with a few accessories instead of your entire collection, you know you’re on the right track.

One of the most incredible talents someone can have is taking something old and making it new or taking something that is just OK and making it spectacular.

Doing those two things is what has helped propel Regina Edward’s jewelry business, DesignsbyRed3of5 on Etsy.com.

“I started making jewelry by recycling a necklace and bracelet I no longer would wear,” Regina said. “This led to a hunt for anything I did not think I would wear again or hadn’t worn in 2 years or so.”

Regina, a Cincinnati native, has a knack for creating simplistic and beautiful jewelry. The inspiration for her craft comes from colors seen in nature and organic settings.

Her jewelry looks serene and calm; a far cry from overly trendy and schizophrenic-looking pieces that tend to flood mainstream stores.

But that’s not what this is about.

It’s about her passion to create art, stress relief and mental therapy.

It’s also about supporting local artists through sites like Etsy.

“Now, with the state of the economy, it’s more important than ever to buy and sell locally,” Regina said. “Buying handmade supports artists from all disciplines, regardless of whether their craft is a major source of income or a hobby.”

If you’re interested in purchasing any of Regina’s work, you’ll have to look to her Etsy store; she’s not currently selling her pieces in local stores. It’s not to say, however, that store owners aren’t interested.

“I was in a local craft store and the owner liked [the jewelry] I was wearing and wanted to know to made it,” Regina said.

What Regina makes is a little different, but that’s what makes it so fantastic. It’s not something you’re going to find in any store and especially for the price; she is conscious of selecting high-quality materials while listing her items at relatively inexpensive costs.